Sihyeong Lee: “Getting the opportunity to compete in the World Championships, I will continue to train hard to have a regret-free competition.”
Translation of Sihyeong Lee comments about Korean Nationals and being selected for World Championships.
original source: mfocus.kr dd. 7 January 2024
Sihyeong Lee took second place at the Korean Nationals.
When asked about the injury that Lee Sihyeong struggled with early in the season, he told “Initially, I was diagnosed with inflammation, but it turned out to be a ligament tear. It didn’t improve, and as I continued training, it worsened. I decided to let it go because the burden increased, and I was able to finish well by comfortably relying on the help of those around me.”
Speaking of the importance of the Nationals, Sihyeong Lee said “This competition is the biggest one, and it’s the competition that selects national team members, so there was a lot of pressure. Also, becoming a national team member makes the athlete’s life in Korea more favorable, so it was a really desperate situation. After the ranking competition ended, I lived in hell for a month. It was tough, not only because of what I couldn’t do but also because I couldn’t showcase my abilities due to the injury. It was very challenging,” he said. “Even after the competition, it didn’t immediately get better within a month, so I spent that time thinking about how I could minimize the pain and show a better performance. I practiced every day, feeling grateful for what was given to me and the things that were always familiar,” he added.
Answering the questions about his upcoming participation in the World Championships, Sihyeong Lee admitted, “Initially, I aimed to participate in the World Championships, considering it the biggest event in figure skating. However, due to injuries and poor physical condition, I wasn’t overly focused on or anticipating the World Championships.” He added, “Rather than just participating, my goal was to showcase the best of what I can do in the performance, whether I compete or not. Now, with this positive outcome and the opportunity to compete in the World Championships, I will continue to train hard to have a regret-free competition.”
As the eldest member of the national team for the past two years at the age of 23, there were questions about Sihyeong Lee’s future path as a figure skater. “Actually, at this age, I somewhat avoided thinking about it. I love skating so much that if I can skate, I am just happy. However, going through this injury made me think differently. Of course, skating is my life, but if you look at it in the long run, it’s only about a quarter or a fifth of my time. I’m grateful for what I can do with skating. Yet, now, I’ve realized that just being grateful doesn’t mean I can keep doing it forever. Now, keeping this in mind, I think about each season, the next season, and the season after that as if they might be my last. I strive to give my best in every moment. Even if the day comes to stop, I hope to leave without regrets.”
Related topics: Sihyeong Lee
I really like Sihyeong’s skating, light on the feet, jumping with arms up, attention to details. I also appreciate very much his positive attitude, respectful and considerate manners, and matured and wise thinking. Happy for him to be selected part of the national team and wish him all the best in the upcoming World!